• M M Hull.
• Department of Life Span Process, Ohio State University, Columbus.
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 1992 Sep 1;19(8):1179-87.

AbstractAlthough stresses associated with family caregiving during illness have been well-documented, little attention has been focused on how families cope with hospice home care of a relative with advanced cancer. A longitudinal, qualitative study examined the experiences of hospice caregiving families. This article focuses on coping strategies identified by hospice families caring for their dying relative at home. Semistructured interviews and observations were conducted with 14 individuals from 10 families. Fifty-five interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Constant comparative analysis was used to search inductively for recurrent themes. Specific coping strategies were used with each of the three areas of stress identified by families. "Windows of time," social comparison, cognitive reformulation, and avoidance were used to cope with the overall caregiving experience. "Taking one day at a time" helped to manage uncertainty. Acceptance and rationalization helped families to deal with changes in a relative's mental status. Social support was used with all three areas of stress. Identifying effective coping strategies that families are using directs the development, testing, and implementation of nursing interventions that enhance coping of hospice caregiving families.

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